A wholesome, healthy, Godly message -- no wonder the Board of Supervisors in Sodom-by-the-Bay were so threatened.

DETROIT -- Tens of thousands of teenagers were urged to enlist in a war against a culture that popularizes sex, drugs and violence during an evangelical Christian youth rally Saturday at Ford Field. The event, called Battle Cry, was part modern revival meeting and part rock 'n' roll concert.

Ron Luce, an author, Christian broadcaster and a member of a federal anti-drug abuse commission appointed by President Bush, urged the teens to abstain from sex until they are married, refrain from using drugs and alcohol and withstand the seductions of modern, popular culture.

"I organized a bunch of people from Central Michigan University and we just said, 'Hey, let's go serve the Lord,' " said Mark Morsehead, a freshman from White Lake. "And I was like, 'Well, I want to give back and show them God's love.' So that's why I'm here."

The rock 'n' roll -- including performances by a U2 sound-alike called Delirious, from England, who blasted Christian lyrics throughout the cavernous stadium -- was juxtaposed with Luce's lengthy condemnation of MTV, which he said bombards teens with messages encouraging them to engage in sexual activity.

"I want to encourage you to focus on how is it that you can make your voice heard in this culture," Luce said.

"We want you to understand: You don't have to let your generation be manipulated and molded by the worldliness that is so prevalent."

Well, Jesus said we would be reviled for his name's sake, and that some would find his message foolish.

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